The Treasure Coast legal community recently gathered at the Martin County Courthouse to welcome the newest addition to the bench. With her hand resting upon a Bible, Katherine Donaldson Mish was officially sworn in as a circuit judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit, cementing a new chapter in a legal career deeply rooted in the local community.
Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis late last year, Mish steps into a newly created circuit judgeship authorized by the Florida Legislature. The 19th Judicial Circuit holds significant daily impacts for local residents, serving a broad jurisdiction that encompasses Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties.
During the investiture ceremony, Mish, 37, was surrounded by family, local elected officials, and dozens of her new judicial peers. Her husband, financial consultant Tony Mish, assisted her in donning the traditional black robe immediately after Chief Circuit Judge Charles “Tony” Schwab administered the oath of office.
The event highlighted Mish’s long-standing connection to the region. Growing up in Vero Beach, she was recognized early on for her academic dedication and community involvement. Her father, Martin County Administrator Don Donaldson, shared remarks reflecting on her persistence, noting that she applied five times to be considered by the governor for the prestigious circuit judge position.
Prior to taking the bench, Mish built a robust legal resume throughout Florida:
- She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Florida State University.
- She received her Juris Doctor from the Florida Coastal School of Law.
- She served as a legislative intern in Tallahassee for Treasure Coast Republicans William Snyder and state Representative Debbie Mayfield.
- She worked as a civil litigator with Treasure Coast Legal in Stuart from 2015 until her recent appointment.
In her new role, Judge Mish has been assigned to St. Lucie County, where her docket currently includes presiding over juvenile dependency and delinquency cases, as well as overseeing the Mental Health Court. Circuit judges broadly handle matters involving probate, civil litigation, felony cases, and family law.
I promise to give everyone who comes before me their day in court. And I promise to ensure that every person understands not only what my ruling is, but why I made it. It is the honor of my life to serve this community, and I will work every day to uphold the responsibility that comes with this role.
Mish’s appointment was part of a broader shift in the local judiciary. On the same day she was selected, DeSantis also appointed Vero Beach attorney Steven R. Wilson to replace retiring Circuit Judge Lawrence Mirman. The judicial landscape of the Treasure Coast will see even more changes by the end of the year, as court officials anticipate the governor will appoint two additional judges to replace Circuit Judge William Roby and Martin County Judge Kathleen H. Roberts, both of whom are slated to retire in December.
For now, Judge Mish is settling into her term, which runs through next year. To maintain her seat on the bench, she will be required to stand for election before Treasure Coast voters in 2028.
